ESP Eclipse School - Know your Eclipse.

Learn the difference between an Eclipse I and an Eclipse II and what the terms CTM and full thickness mean.
Also learn history about the model and see examples of some of the finishes offered over the years on ESP Guitars best selling model.
0:00 Intro and References
0:43 Eclipse History
1:30 What an Eclipse I is
1:54 What an Eclipse II is
2:07 Differences
3:00 USA Eclipse II
3:46 What CTM means
4:15 What Full Thickness Means
4:37 Some Finish Options
Links and stuff:
Instagram - pushead_cic...
Band Nonsense - / daysbeneath
More Band Nonsense - / @daysbeneath9195
Free Music - drive.google.com/drive/folder...

[@MikeRCJ]

I posted regularly on the ESP forums back in 05'-11' and you were always informative and answered many of my questions. Glad to see that hasn't changed. Enjoyed the video and subscribed. 👍

[@Pusheadcic]

Thanks man. With all this info and $15 you could buy a drink from one of those fancy coffee places.

[@metal571]

Fascinating history that I had no idea about. Great video style and stunning collection of ESPs! Keep making videos

[@videogamephenomhd]

The design of the eclipse resembles to those of a Gibson Les Paul, but ESP wanted to create sort of a doppelganger that would sound more distorted to heavy metal.

[@zxexrxox]

Your collection is sick. Love ESP's

[@costas3953]

That was extremely useful in my research of these guitars and your comment at 4:39 was priceless. Awesome mancave too. Nicely done. 👍

[@GuitarIv69]

Good job man! I have been following your comments and knowledge on the ESP forums, good read every time! I currently own a Standard Series M-II from 2009, a M-II from 1992 in Candy Apple Red with 22 frets and an Eclipse E2 Model in the Black Cherry Sunburst. I'd be highly interested in a video highlighting some of the differences between the E2 models and the Standard Series as I know some of the E2 models had some issues (my Eclipse is no exception although it does play fantastic). My black 2009 SS M-II is one of the best guitars I ever held in hands. Cheers and keep uploading! :)

[@34GarageOfficial]

Thank you for spreading this knowledge. Awesome video.

[@shanesmith7672]

Wow! What a collection, thanks for sharing man! Really cool. Would love to see more videos of close up videos of each model.

[@Pusheadcic]

That may be coming in the next few weeks. I have a basic setup video coming in a week or so.

[@MauricioGarcia-mk5bz]

Your guitar collection is amazing. Congrats.

[@samunden]

Stumbled on this video as I recently acquired in a trade a EII Eclipse (sparkle granite) was trying to figure out what I had and specifically what the DB and BB meant in the diff models. I saw your name and avatar, put 2 and 2 together, and realized you were the guy on the ESP forum that help me authenticate another guitar a few years ago. Just wanted to say thanks and subbed!

[@elevenAD]

Omg the Krypton and the Fire Rust nearly made me shed a tear! Stunning!

[@TheRafinx]

I just got my first Eclipse thanks so much for the forum post, which led to this video. Legend.

[@MickyVegaMusic]

Absolutely neccesary and helpful video, congrats!

[@sacredwinter5449]

Fell in love with ESP's long ago, thanks to your old videos

[@terexasa]

Nice. I fell in love with the EC guitar in 2019 when I got one with the Evertune bridge. Now I’m all in with EC as I have three 1000 series guitars.

[@nurk_barry]

Dude, that is an absolutely sick collection of single cut ESPs, very very nice. I like the aqua and the koa top the best ...!

[@1970borntorun]

Thank you for the fun and very informative video on these killer guitars! I just today, bought a used ESP E-II Eclipse FT in the very pretty Vintage Honey Burst, from Guitar Center used on their website. And for $1600, this high-quality guitar blows the doors off most Gibson Les Pauls, and definitely is better in all aspects to the most overrated guitar brand on the Planet - PRS !! The thing I love about this particular model/generation is that it is full thickness, has the belly cut, AND the sculpted neck heel for better fret access that many EII Eclipses do not have. So in my humble opinion, ESP took all the best ideas from their Eclipse guitars, and put it all together for this particular generation. ( I think about 2009 ) Take good care fellow Eclipse lovers !! ♫

[@JosephAlanOliveros]

i have always wondered about the Eclipse I & II and i wouldn't have known of the nuances and more had I not stumbled on your video. still hunting for my Snow White Eclipse II. cheers!

[@ericgl182]

the purple satin one is so cool! love your sense of humour

[@peteracosta744]

Outstanding video… Man, you answered all the questions that I had. You have an amazing collection of those guitars…

[@tacoconch7678]

Found another recently. A full thickness prelawsuit in vintage black. Was hesitant but the flat black looks way cooler in person! Glad I got it!

[@markcrisostomo108]

Dude awesome collection! Cheers!

[@dunnorly]

I have 3 Standard Series Eclipse I, you sir made me feel normal. Thank you for the video and information. Much Obliged

[@keechada]

What a great collection! I used to have an Eclipse I CTM BKs

[@jamesnorton7601]

I love everything about this video!

[@ricerockit]

I learned a lot, thanks for studying all of this and sharing with everyone!

[@dobbs123456789]

This is so freaking cool.

[@victorramsey5575]

This video was more useful than I thought. THANKS!

[@dvdpz89]

Thank you for this! Just got my first e-ii with evertune couple weeks ago. I’m a Gibson player but these are on another level.

[@xjunkxyrdxdog89]

You *were* a gibson player... 1 year later have you converted?

[@dvdpz89]

@@xjunkxyrdxdog89 I still play both. The one thing I’ve noticed is Gibson has more resonance and so the sound is a bit fuller. They have pros and cons to each and can be used for different applications. Like one would be best for rhythm (Gibson) and the other for leads (esp).

[@espkstm]

Sweet collection man! My first ESP Guitar was a see through Bolt on Green ESP Eclipse from 1998 with a floyd rose. Im looking for my next ESP Eclipse in a honey burst or orange burst but not with the full body thickness.

[@axelvelazquez183]

Your silverburst is absolutely gorgeous, im so jealous.

[@GS_Lexus]

Dude! I've been reading your posts on the ESP forums for years. Glad you're here as well. I'm also an Eclipse nut. In fact I was just reading your posts regarding white ESPs yellowing and how your Eclipse from 2005 (I think) is still white, so I just pulled the trigger on an Original Series CTM in snow white with the double binding (ebony board, although that maple one looks cool, and just like the snow white / maple SS Eclipse from 2012'ish). Your collection is awesome!

[@Pusheadcic]

Thanks man and congrats! My whitey is still white! It's probably yellowed a shade or two, but I think far less than if I had kept it in a case.

[@GS_Lexus]

@@Pusheadcic Excellent!! Yep I think you're correct on the case theory that the gasses are what's doing it. I'll be doing the same thing and leaving it in a dark room, but outside of the case.

[@jimihendrix1575]

Fantastic video! I have a 2011 Snow White 3 knob Eclipse that is my number 1 go-to that I adore. Really enjoyed the information. Thanks.

[@Pusheadcic]

Thanks man, I really like your strats.

[@gregpriebe8768]

Awesome collection, would love to hear a new usa select eclipse semi-hollow.

[@williamcanavan7085]

Super nice collection I thought I was bad for having 6…. Foolish me!!! But I’m also addicted to the M II’s (5) and Custom shop V’s (5) but that Green one!!!! Man superb brother in guitars!!!!!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@greghm]

Excellent video as I was researching about these ... Now I am both more informed and more confused! thanks !

[@isaiasjrcal]

Thank you for this awesome video.

[@antuni]

Very informative! Thanks for sharing

[@hhattingh]

Gosh! I've been accused everything from a ESP Fanboy, to fanatic. You take it to a whole new level.

[@Pusheadcic]

Yeah, I have issues.

[@arturocivit]

Great!! And yes, nice JH1 you have there!

[@deadforever]

I have a 2010 Vintage Honeyburst Eclipse II, four knobs so i guess made for the non US export market. It's one of the finest guitars ive ever played and ill never let it to. That was really a golden era for ESP Standards. I have a 2007 Horizon NT-II that is also a beauty. They're getting harder to find at good prices on Reverb now, I guess people finally realised

[@TobyKBTY]

I'm a very happy singlecut player, and a very happy ESP owner...but I realized I've never owned an Eclipse. Time to change that soon, don't you think? Thanks for making such an awesome guide!

[@Pusheadcic]

Thanks man. Just remember, for every Eclipse you don't buy that means there's one more that I have to.

[@dunnorly]

Thank you so much, you saved me a lot of hours.

[@user-ub8py1ij1l]

Great video!

[@charlesdavid5137]

Thank you for sharing what you have learned regarding the ESP Eclipse guitars and the differences they have. I am really interested in all aspects of the ESP/LTD guitars including production changes and materials as well as tone and rarity. You have a beautiful collection of ESP Eclipse guitars. What is your personal favorite and why? Do you research any other ESP/LTD models?

[@incognitoguitars9999]

Great job

[@MrScrofulous]

Love that oxidised iron one. I would rock that.

[@andrewbecker3700]

Starting in 2020 I believe, they've reintroduced the '87 Eclipse( t-1000 series)as an anniversary edition initially. Sales have been good enough apparently to continue building them and keep them in the market. The NT in pearl white was my choice. It needed a few upgrades to get it dialed in, and it's a much more useful guitar now. The electronics were really low quality and it sounded pretty rough at any setting below 10. Now its very articulate at any volume and the pickups can be utilized together in split coil mode much better.

[@TexAgsArmyVet]

That Dark Purple Satin is amazing. It's based off of a Custom Shop Gibson that was made for James Hetfield back in 2003 or so.

[@whatisanamelol]

Would love to see a video on your Koa eclipse and your incredible refinished M-III

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I'll be so happy the day ESP brings back the 4 knob Eclipse 1 body style! They just look so mean yet not so far from the real thing :)

[@tacoconch7678]

I finally found a full thickness prelawsuit in snow white. Bought it up quick!

[@dionedjericon8415]

That oxidized iron one is a beauty

[@patcolucci]

Awesome🔥🔥🔥

[@80s_kid]

The dark purple satin is one of the most beautiful/unique finishes I’ve ever seen on an ESP especially with multi-ply binding. I don’t know if there is a connection between the two things in terms of creative influence but I first saw a finish like this on James Hetfield’s Custom Gibson Les Paul around 2003.

[@Pusheadcic]

Yeah, that was my inspiration when I bought it. I suspect ESP made that finish for exactly that reason. I kind of wish it was a little less "dark" and a bit more "purple." It usually gets confused for black, though I have a really good photo of it looking purple on my Instagram.

[@silas0403]

So cool!

[@juzzie]

This video is down right awesome..

[@EssexRecordingStudios]

Way cool man! Great video!

[@Pusheadcic]

Please don't use any of this information to mischaracterize instruments in any of your ridiculous Reverb listings or videos. Thanks.

[@EssexRecordingStudios]

@@Pusheadcic wow man how lame are you 🙄

[@EssexRecordingStudios]

@@Pusheadcic and even lamer that you actually went back and edited your comment. You stay up all night writing that one 🤣

[@Pusheadcic]

@@EssexRecordingStudios Almost as lame as the double post.

[@pistolpete7280]

Great video!

[@alanmenconi6940]

Thanks some guy hgh interested in this matter. You deserve it, 😊

[@WEIRDONG_MARINO]

So which one should I get, the traditional eclipse 1 or the E-II?

[@jokerboi526]

awesome!

[@christophertaylor5403]

Good job thanks

[@hosoiarchives4858]

I love this video

[@SxSxG666]

My ESP is from around the early 2000. It is black with a flat top without a binding. Only the neck is binded. It has 2 knobs and the toggle switch is at the bottom and not on the top. I could never find the model and the serial suggests that it is a custom shop yet it has the standard series stamp.

[@RiffMasterMike]

I was looking into 2023’s ESP/LTD models and this fine gentlemen pops up. Small world. 😊 Plus, I even learned something!

[@Pusheadcic]

Hi Mike! Hope all is well.

[@cris_horizons]

Thanks I had an a Japanese Eclipse I Ctm Ft Vb

[@tonybrown7847]

Love it

[@markreynaers887]

Hey man, great detailed video. I'm thinking about getting an E-II eclipse but i'm worried about the tuning stability, since i've had a guitar with similar headstock (gibson) that went out of tune all the time, hope that's not the case with these guitars.

[@Pusheadcic]

Hi Mark, and thanks. The 3+3 head stock design has always had some tuning issues with the G string, some guitars more than others. I don't find that I have drastic stability issues with any of mine (ESP or Gibson). I think a lot of it comes down to the nut (material and how the slot is prepared). I'm sure the tuners and string brand play into it as well. I'm not sure what all you tried to help bring your Gibson into shape, but it's probably the same things I'd try if I had that problem with an Eclipse.

[@LottimusMaximus]

Very nice

[@BEAVISKORNHOLIO69]

I love ESP eclipse guitars I wish I had one

[@brownsparlour9813]

this is ace!i fuckin love esp!

[@jayteesgear]

Way cool!

[@Heisenhuegel]

Thx for that 👍

[@austinjones108]

Thanks some guy!

[@nc1969]

Awesome collection. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I had an E-II BB which i regret selling. im considering getting another one, but the prices have jumped up a bit. The LTD EC 1001T CTM looks great... but will i be disappointed after playing a Japan E-II? Thanks!

[@Pusheadcic]

I think the LTD guitars are pretty fantastic. The last EC-1000 I played was probably from 2014 or so, so I don't have any in-hand experience with a modern one, but I don't think it will have changed much.

[@VicioStarbreaker]

That satin purple eclipse 😍

[@rhanexguitar299]

thanks!!!!

[@DragonBiscuit]

Awesome collection bro - I’m waiting for my first Eclipse II to arrive this week!

[@bradhienzachary]

I’d like to own one! They are around the $3000 mark here in Australia

Hi there, great video! I have weird question, I want to buy E-II full thickness and I am wondering, how heavy it is? Can't really find this information online.

[@Pusheadcic]

I can't comment on what every FT guitar would weigh, but the two I have are just under 9lbs.

[@salmonhelmet]

What made the amber cherry, vintage honey, black aqua burst and see through one an II model? all had 4 knobs and had gibson style cut throught. my Eclipse II has the not so pronounced cut and 3 knobs. Thanks

[@Pusheadcic]

As I said in the video, if the guitar has a figured maple top (flame or quilt), it's an Eclipse II model, even if it has 4 knobs. ESP had a similar naming convention with the Horizon models as well, though the Horizon models had different body wood as well.

[@chano_banano]

It sucks cause I used to window shop these 4 knob ESP guitars back in like 2010 when I was broke as a joke. Now that I can afford them I cant seem to find the Snow White with Gold hardware Eclipse anywhere I look. 😭 I just love how the cut away looks more violent on the Eclipse I and with the 4 knobs. Any ideas where I can look for these guitars? Reverb only has some red and blackones.

[@Pusheadcic]

I've found them over the years on eBay and Reverb. They pop up every so often. The vintage black, see through black cherry and the vintage honey burst are the most common ones I've come across.

[@Sensates85]

Took me way too long to get an Eclipse.. it's too good! Can you do a pre vs post E II?

[@Pusheadcic]

I had an E-II for a year or two. There really isn't much of a difference between the E-II guitars and the old ESP Standard guitars, though now they've changed the back of the neck joint a bit.

[@sidexside1439]

In 2024, are all ESP E-II (around $2200 USD) and eclipse?

[@skullfacemorte]

Awesome collection, is there a way to verify these when buying second hand ? Are there any specific pot codes or dates on the potentiometers? I am looking to buy a ESP Eclipse CMT. White finish with a original Floyd rose .

[@Pusheadcic]

If you go to the espguitars official forum, there are a few threads about identifying fake ESPs. I respond there fairly often. If you have pics, we can usually sus out a fake guitar pretty quickly.

[@Pusheadcic]

Or you could DM me on instagram.

[@Anjer]

Hello, has your collection evolve? Do you have some E-II now?

[@Pusheadcic]

I had an E-II for a while before I made this video. It was marine blue and it was replaced by the see-through blue that appears in the video. The E-II was nice, I enjoyed it. Since this video, I've only added a candy apple red full-thickness Eclipse. You can see that guitar in another video I made about basic guitar setups.

[@emreemre369]

Is there a difference in neck size in the FT models? I think its good to have people like you around with thorough knowledge and experience, so we know what we want to get. Cheers!

[@Pusheadcic]

On my FT models, yes, the necks are bigger. In the specs, they're listed as the "U" neck shape as opposed to the "thin U" shape of the traditional Eclipses. I think the modern E-II and LTD versions have the same "thin U" as the traditional Eclipses.

[@MrCalifornia0]

Anyone have experience with E-2 and Ltd versions side by side? I have a ESP Standard Phoenix, and just bought a used LTD EC-1000 online. I am wondering how they will compare. I’ve read on forums some people say there is little difference in playability, and others say the opposite.

[@Pusheadcic]

Never had access to both at the same time. I owned an E-II Eclipse for a year or so. Felt very similar to any of the standard series Eclipses here. The LTD 1000 series are solid guitars. I've thought every one I've ever played was worthy of the price tag. I'm not sure I'd say there's a huge difference between the two, but I can tell the difference. Not sure if it's the 24 frets (on most models) or if there isn't a full maple cap on the LTDs (I've never sanded back the grounding paint on an LTD like I did on the ESP in the video.

[@BeamMonsterZeus]

Wow, you must *really* like that Black Beauty look. ...I do too. Mine arrives tomorrow.

[@Zamorackify]

Just....WOW. That silver burst...damn...

[@IandeAbreu]

What about the sparkle ones?

[@franksantos7163]

Im looking for a 4 knob..do you know of any for sale?? Great video and collection

[@Pusheadcic]

There are a handful available on Reverb at the moment. Prices have gone a bit bonkers, but they're mostly in Europe, so maybe that has something to do with it.

[@astrodent666]

Great collection! Can u tell anythin about neck shape? How thin it is? Any difference from model to model or 4 example neck shape comparin 2 Gibson standard neck or slim taper. Thanks!

[@Pusheadcic]

Neck shape across the normal thickness guitars are all very similar. They measure around .83" at the 1st fret and around .9" at the 12th. The most modern Gibson Les Paul I have is from 89 and it's .83" and .96" at the same spots. I just don't have enough experience with the newest Gibson range to know the sizes of their 50's and 60's necks.

[@Pusheadcic]

I did have an 05 Les Paul Standard with a 60s neck and in my hand's memory, it was thinner and flatter than an Eclipse, but I haven't owned the guitar for probably 10 years, so take that for what it's worth.

[@astrodent666]

@@Pusheadcic thank you for info!

[@Hoscitt]

This video is the bible! Good stuff 👍

[@lostwoods]

Thanks for the informative video! I've seen some threads on ESP fakes and was wondering if you have any advice for things to look out for in particular when looking for a used Standard Series Eclipses or if it's best to send a picture/link?

[@Pusheadcic]

There are threads on the ESP forum for fakes. I reply there fairly often. If you can share pics, I or some of the other posters can help out.

[@lostwoods]

@@Pusheadcic Hey thanks! I appreciate it. Would you be okay if I message you on Instagram if I have any other questions?

[@Pusheadcic]

@@lostwoods Yeah man, no problem.

[@kaanerkucuk581]

So what do you think between two series? 4-knob or 3-knob ones are better? If you were to buy one right now, which one would you prefer?

[@Pusheadcic]

I like the 4-knob. It's just personal preference. Were I to buy another Eclipse, I'd be looking for a 4-knob. Realistically, I could get by with a single volume knob.

[@metalgear4199]

First of all, congrats for your awesome ESP collection. I have a question, what’s the weight difference with the full thickness?

[@Pusheadcic]

Hi Eduardo! Because I'm a nerd, I keep track of weight and neck size etc. lol My lightest normal thickness Eclipse is the white one at 7lbs 6.1oz (3.35kg) and my heaviest is the purple at 8lbs 14.1oz (4.03kg) The full thickness version is 8lbs 14.5oz (4.04kg). My 4 Les Pauls are all significantly over 10lbs (4.5kg)

[@metalgear4199]

@@Pusheadcic son that means if I’ve understood well that there’s no big difference between the FT and the normal ESP in terms of weight

[@Pusheadcic]

@@metalgear4199 It's heavier, but not super heavy.

[@brokenchains]

Can you tell me when the 3 knob cream Eclipse’s came out with SD pickups and not EMG’s?

[@Pusheadcic]

Nothing immediately comes to mind on that, but pickups are pretty easy to swap, so if the finish is your prime concern, I'd just find one in your price range and swap the pickups to something you're into.

[@brokenchains]

@@Pusheadcic Thank You!!

[@chriscollier7641]

Is there any way you can help me find a ESP Eclipse I CTM Blue Bronze. That Guitar is badass

[@Pusheadcic]

Hey Chris. As far as I know, this is a one-off. I've never seen another. It was special ordered from a shop in France. I bought it from a guy in Germany.

[@dreamawayyourpain]

Thanks, actually very helpful. Is there any difference between esp USA eclipse and same year esp eclipse?

[@Pusheadcic]

The body shape and an extra tone knob. That's it.

[@MaestroJericho]

@@Pusheadcic How would you rate ESP USA quality to ESP/E-II Japan?

[@Pusheadcic]

@@MaestroJericho Well, in the above comment I assume we were talking about the USA body shape (3 knob) vs the 4 knob body shape. In that case, they were both made in Japan. I don't have any in-hand experience with a guitar made at ESP USA, but from what I've read I expect there to be a step up between the standard series (or E-II) guitars to something made by the USA shop.